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Rewiring the Brain
Liza Fox's 10th-grade Biology students have taken their study of the brain to the next level, applying their knowledge of anatomy to fascinating new topics in neuroscience. After diagramming and labeling brain parts on swim caps, students are now diving into the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself.
Today, the class participated in an engaging lab that explored neuroplasticity in real-time. Armed with bean bags and altered reality goggles (equipped with Fresnel lenses), students were challenged to hit a target.
First, they attempted this task normally, then while wearing the goggles, and finally after removing them. What they discovered was remarkable: with repeated practice, their brains formed new neural pathways to adapt to the altered visual reality, allowing them to hit the target despite the disorienting lenses. However, once the goggles were removed, their brains attempted to use these newly formed pathways, causing them to miss the target again. Retraining their brains to function normally highlighted just how adaptable the brain can be.
First, they attempted this task normally, then while wearing the goggles, and finally after removing them. What they discovered was remarkable: with repeated practice, their brains formed new neural pathways to adapt to the altered visual reality, allowing them to hit the target despite the disorienting lenses. However, once the goggles were removed, their brains attempted to use these newly formed pathways, causing them to miss the target again. Retraining their brains to function normally highlighted just how adaptable the brain can be.
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